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 Basic
information on medical eye examination is presented in this section. We have
also listed an overview of services we provide.
Getting Ready for a Medical Eye
Exam
During the Eye Exam
Treatment and Follow-up
Once you have decided on your scheduled clinic visit, you may wish to keep
several things in mind as you get ready to see your ophthalmologist. These
include, but are not limited to, the following:
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Know your health history and that of your family, especially relating to any
eye diseases, such as glaucoma. List them down chronologically.
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Bring along all medications you are taking, even if they appear to have
nothing to do with your eyes. Some drugs have side effects that could affect
your eyes. Make a written list of this information ahead of time and bring
it with you.
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Be prepared to ask questions about your condition. As with your health
history and medications, write your questions down ahead of time and bring
them with you.
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Find out before you go if you will be given drops to dilate your eyes.
Although the effects of dilating drops are temporary, you may need to
arrange for someone else to drive or to pick you up after your exam.
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Bring all your eyeglasses with you. If you wear contact lenses, discontinue
its use the night before and take them along with you in a clean container,
together with your cleaning solutions.
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Know your health insurance coverage for medical care and vision care. Most
insurance companies do not pay for routine vision exams such as for
eyeglasses. Others have limitations on anything outside routine procedures
and, should you need any, you would then be personally responsible. Being
absolutely certain of the limits of your coverage will help to avoid
unnecessary confusion and disappointment.
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Have yourself accompanied by a responsible companion if someone else needs
to participate in the decision making process for your treatment.
 Technicians
or other office staff may conduct part of the exam, particularly such things as
collecting information about your medical history and checking your visual
acuity, refraction, and prescription lenses. All of this information will be
reviewed by the ophthalmologist prior to his examining you. He will clarify
presented information and investigate further on your subjective complaint. His
objective examination will include:
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slit lamp biomicroscopy
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direct funduscopy
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applanation tonometry
 Other
examinations and/or procedures may be requested depending on the need. You, and your companion, should feel comfortable with your ophthalmologist's
explanations. If some part of the process is confusing to you, ask for an
explanation that is understandable in layman's terms and expect that one will be
provided for you. Should you have further questions later, don't hesitate to
call or visit us once again. There are no foolish questions, only ones you want
answered and are free to ask. Also, there are usually printed materials about
your condition that you can take home.
You may also be directed to sections on this web which provide more detailed
information specific for you and your condition.
It is important to follow your doctor's instructions for the use of medications,
such as eye drops. It is equally important that you keep all scheduled
follow-ups. Some eye conditions
require careful monitoring at regular intervals. If your doctor recommends
surgery, you should be told about the risks associated with it.
Should you have any concerns, be sure to ASK QUESTIONS.
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